So thankful

Yes, I realize Thanksgiving was a few days ago, but my thankfulness goes on and on. There are so many reasons that I have to give thanks and I am afraid in the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, I don't feel like I actually paid close attention to my many blessings.

Among the many reasons I have to be thankful is

My loving and forgiving Saviour
My new daughter in Ethiopia
My amazing mother who is my best friend
My dad, who allowed me to discover what it feels like to be daddy's little girl in my thirties.
My brother who I love dearly.
My sister-in-law who was the perfect pick for a little sister and who along with my brother gave me the best gift ever.
My niece Leah (the aforementioned best gift ever!)
My Aunt Elaine, who made it home after 40 days in the hospital. Get well soon!
My cousins Monica and Kim, who have loved me my WHOLE life.
My other Aunts, Uncles and cousins, who gave me my own roots!
My two homes, Grafton and Frederick.
My two churches, Beulah Baptist and Faith Assembly of God.
My best friend Aimee, who makes friendship so effortless.
My best friend Angie, who shows me what unconditional love looks like.
My new friend X, who makes me laugh, giggle and feel like a girl again.
My fellow Hopesters Renee and Celeste, who are walking this adoption path with me.
My Team Ethiopia friends who have walked the path before me!
My friend Stacie, who allowed the Lord to use her to minister to me in ways she won't understand on this side of heaven.
My entire circle of friends who make life fun, bad times easier and the future brighter.
My children in the church, who look at life with innocence.
My job, even on the most difficult of days, since there are so many who do not have one.
My mind, creativity and talents, may I use them wisely and to their fullest potential.
My past since it made me who I am today.
My present since I am exactly where I need to be.
My future...